University of Georgia (UGA)

The University of Georgia is the flagship school in the state's university system, offering 142 majors across 17 colleges and schools. Students can also earn a bachelor's degree on an accelerated timeline through the Double Dawgs program. The well-regarded Honors Program is a big draw, incorporating experiential learning, travel, research opportunities, and a summer internship program in New York, Washington D.C., or Savannah. One student says, "Many of my best classes and favorite teachers have come from the Honors program." Although the number of students in some lectures can be large, UGA has increased the availability of in-demand classes and reduced class sizes in others through the Small Class Initiative. Most students say that there are "more good teachers" than bad and that "once [you're] in your particular program, the teachers are outstanding and easy to reach." Another student agrees, stating, "My major-related classes are very small, and each student receives individual attention." It's clear that the faculty is supportive: "The professors really do want to see you at office hours if you have questions," and they "want to share their love of learning with you." The university strives to create an environment that fosters success, and students appreciate that "the study spaces are well-equipped and quiet." At UGA, the commitment to academic excellence is evident, as shown by the impressive 95 percent placement rate for employment or graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

"The typical student at UGA is one who knows how and when to study but allows himself or herself to have a very active social life," claims one student. Another adds that Dawgs are generally "smart, involved, and have a good time." While some students say that their peers "seem to be predominantly conservative," others note that "there are a great number of atypical students in the liberal arts," which "creates a unique and exciting student body with greatly contrasting opinions." Students say that "there is a social scene for everyone in Athens" because there are so many opportunities to meet people. It helps that most students "are usually involved in at least one organization, whether it be Greek, a club, or sports."

To be a Dawg is to love UGA's hometown of Athens, which is full of coffee shops, restaurants, music venues, and a lively bar scene. As one student declares, "Downtown Athens is fabulous!" A love for football is almost a requirement at UGA, with students noting that "on Saturday afternoons in the fall, nearly everyone on campus is at the football game. It's a way of life here." One student happily agrees, "Everybody really gets behind the team, and Saturdays in Athens feel like mini vacations." Even after football season, the town still hums with activity. One student says, "The Athens music and art scene is very inspiring, and there are tons of opportunities for creativity here." The campus offers just as much enjoyment: "Fun is a part of daily life...with a dozen intramural sports each semester...and many community activities (multiple movie theaters, bowling allies, golf course)." As one student says, "There are so many organizations that everyone can find a place that will feel like home or find a place to meet new people." And while "it's no secret that UGA knows how to party"-fraternities and sororities are very popular at UGA-many students insist that "there is definitely plenty to do, even if you don't go Greek." As one student says, "Ultimate Frisbee, walks around the multiple parks, days lounging on North Campus, and spending lots of time downtown are a couple ways I like to have fun at school."

The UGA Career Center is a one-stop resource for major and career exploration, graduate school information, interviewing and resume prep, and, of course, the job search. On that front, DAWGLink has postings for full-time, part-time work, or internships, and the Intern For A Day program lets students get a taste of a particular field or career while shadowing a professional. The Center for Leadership and Service can connect students who want to volunteer (the Volunteer UGA Calendar is loaded with relevant panels and service opportunities) and even offers grants for student groups on campus to engage with the Athens community at large. Graduates generally earn average starting salaries of $55,700 (according to PayScale.com), and 47 percent derive a high level of meaning from their work.